March 11, 2010
Topics:Industries:
|
Your Franchise Mergers & Acquisition News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in franchising mergers & acquisition news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Franchise Mergers & Acquisition NewsYAS Fitness Founder Kimberly Fowler Buys YAS Silver Lake with Big Plans for Studio and CommunityKimberly Fowler, former professional triathlete, cancer survivor and founder/owner of YAS Fitness Centers, acquired the franchise's YAS Silver Lake location on February 1st, determined to see the unique fitness studio meets her high standards while... Midas Acquires 22 Northern California Midas Shops from FranchiseeMidas, Inc. (NYSE: MDS) has acquired 22 Midas automotive service shops in Northern California from franchisee Maurice I. Glad. The transition was completed this weekend, and the shops opened today under Midas' management. There was no interruption in... Realogy Subsidiary, Cartus, Acquires Primacy RelocationRealogy Corporation, a leading global provider of real estate and relocation services, today announced that its relocation services subsidiary, Cartus Corporation, has acquired Primacy Relocation, a prominent relocation and global assignment management... The Steak n Shake Company and Western Sizzlin Corporation Sign Merger AgreementThe Steak n Shake Company ("SNS") (NYSE: SNS), and Western Sizzlin Corporation ("Western") (Nasdaq: WEST), today jointly announced that they had executed an agreement for a wholly-owned subsidiary of Steak n Shake to merge with and into Western. Papa Bello Enterprises to Acquire Pastore's of RosedalePapa Bello Enterprises (Pink Sheets: PAPA) announced today that the company has signed a letter of intent to acquire Pastore's of Rosedale, Inc., a Baltimore based restaurant, deli, and bakery chain. Established in 1999, Pastore's now has two locations... Papa Bello Enterprises Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire the Kebab CafePapa Bello Enterprises, Inc. (Pink Sheets: PAPA) is pleased to announce that the company has signed a letter of intent to acquire the Kebab Cafe; a Southern California based restaurant concept specializing in Middle Eastern style cuisine with a... Jiffy Lube Franchise Group Announces Acquisition of 23 Service Centers in ColoradoJiffy Lube(R) franchisee Griffin Fast Lube today announced the acquisition of 23 Jiffy Lube service centers in Colorado, including locations in the Denver and Colorado Springs markets. In addition to the 27 Jiffy Lube service centers the company owns... Tim Hortons Inc. Public Company Merger and Reorganization ApprovedTim Hortons Inc. (NYSE: THI, TSX: THI) announced voting results on a proposed merger transaction (the "merger") to reorganize the Company as a Canadian public company, before its stockholders at the Special Meeting of Stockholders held earlier today. FSBI Acquires 4th Business Coaching Brand Bringing 'All Things Entrepreneurial' to Business Owners of all SizesAlready dominating the business coaching market, FranchisEsource Brands International, FSBI, is adding to its in-demand, Business Coaching suite of strategies yet another set of services in support of the challenges entrepreneurs face on a day-to-day... Outdoor Living Brands Acquires Mosquito Squad(R) BusinessOutdoor Living Brands, the preeminent leader in branded franchise offerings in the outdoor living category, has added Mosquito Squad(R) to its portfolio of respected brands. The acquisition extends the company's range of franchise offerings dedicated... Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie Acquired by Management and Edmonds Capital, LLCEdmonds Capital, LLC announces today that it is teaming with the management teams of Shane's Rib Shack, a national rib shack and barbecue concept founded by Shane Thompson in 2002, and Planet Smoothie, a national smoothie concept founded by Martin... Kidville, Inc. Acquires JW TumblesKidville, Inc. (KVIL.OB), which operates upscale facilities catering to newborns through five year olds and their parents, has acquired the assets of JW TUMBLES, an international operator of children's gyms, via a wholly owned subsidiary. The combined... Villa Enterprises Acquires 6 Luciano Brickoven Pizzeria StoresVilla Enterprises Management, one of the nation's fastest growing multi-concept restaurant franchisors, today announced it has acquired 6 Luciano Brickoven Pizzeria locations from the Luciano Group. Villa Enterprises will convert these stores to its... Driven Brands Accelerates Growth with Maaco PurchaseDriven Brands, Inc., the parent of Meineke Car Care Centers, Econo Lube N' Tune, AutoQual, Aero Colours, Drive N Style, and Tortal.net, announced today the acquisition of Pennsylvania-based Maaco Franchising, Inc., the market leader in franchised auto... IHG Signs Multi-Brand, Multi-Location Hotel Deal with Shimao GroupExtending its leadership position in China, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) signed a deal with Shimao Group, to open six new hotels under three brands in four cities by 2013. Group RCI Signs Whiterocks Resort in Cyprus as First European Affiliate to its Rental and Exchange ProgramGroup RCI, a global leader in leisure real estate and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced that it signed its first European affiliate to its unique Rental and Exchange (R&E) Program – a pioneering produc BHRC.co.uk Welcomes InterContinental Hotels OnboardBHRC has announced a collaboration with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) on the BHRC London Hotel reservation site (http://www.bhrc.co.uk) with immediate effect. IHG hotels are now available for online booking and instant confirmation on BHRC's... Clockwork Home Services Expands Its Market Share in the Oklahoma City Area with New AcquisitionClockwork Home Services, Inc. (Clockwork), one of North America's fastest-growing operators of home services franchises, today announced that it has acquired Hardesty & Crick, LLC, effective October 1, 2008. This acquisition expands the reach of... Triarc and Wendy's Complete Merger TransactionTriarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY; TRY.B), the parent company of Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc., which is the franchisor of the Arby's(R) restaurant system, and Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), announced today that they have completed their... Triarc and Wendy's Shareholders Approve MergerTriarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY; TRY.B), the parent company of Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. which is the franchisor of the Arby's(R) restaurant system, and Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), announced today that their respective shareholders...
Whitbread PLC to acquire 21 Express by Holiday Inn hotels from Mitchells & Butlers plc in exchange for 44 Whitbread Pub RestaurantsWhitbread PLC ("Whitbread") today announces that it has agreed to acquire 21 hotels (1245 rooms), currently operating as Express by Holiday Inn hotels from Mitchells & Butlers plc ("MAB"), in exchange for 44 Whitbread pub restaurants. Wyndham Worldwide Completes Purchase of U.S. Franchise SystemsWyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) today announced it has completed the acquisition of U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. and its Microtel Inns & Suites(R) and Hawthorn Suites(R) hotel brands from a subsidiary of Global Hyatt Corporation for a... Burger King Corp. Acquires Restaurants in Iowa and NebraskaBurger King Corp. (NYSE:BKC) announced today the acquisition of 72 BURGER KING(R) restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska from franchisee Simmonds Restaurant Management. Rose Hall Resort & Spa Joins Hilton Hotels & ResortsFollowing an extensive $40 million renovation, the Rose Hall Resort & Spa, A Hilton Resort, emerges today as the newest member of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio. NexCen Brands Acquires Bill Blass Couture BusinessNexCen Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEXC), today announced that through its wholly-owned subsidiary NexCen Fixed Asset Company, LLC, it has completed a purchase agreement with... Pump It Up Merges with BounceU: Former Competitors Become Single Largest Franchise Brand in Birthday Party SegmentPump It Up, the nation's largest franchise of interactive, indoor inflatable playgrounds for private parties, announced today that it has merged with Phoenix-based BounceU, its only direct national competitor. Blockbuster Withdraws Proposal to Acquire Circuit CityBlockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI)(NYSE: BBI.B) announced today that it has decided to withdraw its proposal to acquire Circuit City. Northern California Real Estate Merger Expands Sotheby's International Realty(R) NetworkSotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Montclair Better Homes Realty in Oakland, Calif., has merged with People & Properties Sotheby's International Realty, Calif., becoming the newest member of its luxury real estate netwo Clockwork Home Services Expands Its Market Share in the Denver Area with AcquisitionClockwork Home Services, Inc. (Clockwork), one of North America's fastest-growing operators of home services franchises, today announced that it has acquired Albracht/K&D Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., effective June 1, 2008. HomeVestors of America Acquired by Franchise Brands, LLCHomeVestors(R) of America, Inc., the "We Buy Ugly Houses"(R) company, announced today that Milford, CT-based Franchise Brands, LLC, has acquired majority ownership of the company. Arizona Merger Creates Largest Sotheby's International Realty(R) Network MemberSotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Equitable Sotheby's International Realty in Scottsdale, Ariz., has merged with Arizona's legendary real estate icon, Russ Lyon Realty Company in Scottsdale, Ariz., creating the brand's... 1-800-Radiator, the Nation's Leading Auto-Parts Distribution Franchise, Announces Acquisition of B&B Radiator in Texas1-800-Radiator, an auto-parts distribution franchise and the largest independent auto parts distributor in the nation, today announced its purchase of B&B Radiator, a family-owned and operated automotive cooling parts business... Wyndham Worldwide to Acquire Microtel and Hawthorn Suites BrandsWyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) today announced it will acquire US Franchise Systems Inc. and its Microtel Inns & Suites and Hawthorn Suites hotel brands, together totaling more than 29,000 rooms, from a subsidiary of Global Hyatt Corporatio Europcar International purchases its Asia Pacific master franchiseEuropcar Asia Pacific, one of the country's leading car rental companies, has been purchased by its parent company Europcar International for an undisclosed amount. Spherion Merges Assessment Business into Recruitment Process Outsourcing DivisionSpherion Corporation (NYSE: SFN) today announced the expansion of its recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) operations by merging its assessment business with the company's RPO services division. Red Lion Hotels Completes Denver Hotel AcquisitionRed Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced that it has completed its acquisition of the 478-room Radisson Hotel Denver Southeast for $25.3 million. The hotel has been re-named the Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast. Clockwork Home Services Expands Its Market Share in Indiana and Minnesota with New AcquisitionsClockwork Home Services, Inc. (Clockwork), one of North America's fastest-growing operators of home services franchises, today announced it has acquired Heating and Plumbing Consultants, Inc., based in Webster, Minnesota, effective March 1, 2008...
Blockbuster Comments on the Due Diligence Agreement Reached With Circuit CityBlockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI) issued the following statement today in response to the announcement by Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE: CC) that it has agreed to allow Blockbuster to conduct due diligence in preparation for a possible bid for the company. Red Lion Hotels to Acquire 478-Room Hotel in Denver, ColoradoRed Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the fee simple interest in the 478-room Radisson Hotel Denver Southeast for $25.3 million. Triarc And Wendy's Sign Definitive Merger AgreementTriarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY, TRY.B, "Triarc"), the franchisor of the Arby's restaurant system ("Arby's"), and Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN, "Wendy's") announced today they have signed a definitive merger agreement... Blockbuster Proposes Combination With Circuit CityBlockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI) today announced that it has offered to acquire Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE: CC) for at least $6.00 per share in cash, subject to due diligence. Prominent Utah Firm Joins Sotheby's International Realty(R) NetworkSotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Lewis, Wolcott & Dornbush Real Estate in Utah has joined its luxury real estate network. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Acquires Preferred Properties Inc. in ConnecticutColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y. today announced that it has acquired the assets of family-owned Preferred Properties Inc. in Connecticut. U.S. OXXO Care Cleaners(R) Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning Franchise Absorbs Original Spanish ChainSix years after its launch in the U.S., OXXO Care Cleaners® just completed the acquisition of the original Spanish chain of OXXO dry cleaners. Card Connection Becomes Part of UK Greetings LtdLeading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has announced it has become part of UK Greetings Limited as of 26 March 2008. Midas Acquires Franchisor of 181 SpeeDee Auto Service CentersMidas, Inc. (NYSE:MDS) has acquired the assets of G.C. & K.B. Investments, Inc., and its affiliated entities that franchise or sub-franchise 181 SpeeDee quick-lube and automotive maintenance shops in the United States and Mexico. JPMorgan Chase To Acquire Bear StearnsJPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) announced it is acquiring The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE: BSC). The Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction. |
Features & Special ReportsMeasuring Performance: Multi-unit Franchisees Utilize Unit Economics to Help Run a Tighter ShipMulti-unit franchisee Todd Pulley knows all about measuring unit performance and profitability - even though he had no prior financial background before becoming a franchisee. Over the last 15 years though, he has developed and refined his own system for measuring his unit economics at his four PuroClean locations in New Jersey and Delaware. The effort is paying off. Is it Time for an Operating Cost Audit?: Franchise Tenants Unite!When was the last time you challenged a landlord or property manager about the operating expenses or common area maintenance (CAM) charges? Probably not recently or never, right? To clarify, operating costs are the day-to-day management and maintenance expenses charged to the tenant; examples include asphalt repairs, snow removal, property insurance, and so on. Franchise tenants pay a proportionate share of these costs based on the space they occupy. Therefore, if a franchise tenant occupies 12 percent of a building, he or she will pay for 12 percent of the operating costs. Paying by this said ratio is the industry standard but, of course, there are deviations for special circumstances like free-standing buildings and so on. "Old School" Communication: Cell Phone Texting Builds Customer TrafficConsidering the wide-ranging abilities of today's smartphones, simple text messaging may seem passé, but it's a basic social media tool that's working wonders for Chris Kramolis' franchise operation. He's been using text messages to build business and compile a database of his customers--and he doesn't see any reason to deviate from something that's working. Discovering Oil: Multi-unit Operator Strikes it Rich with Oil Change FranchisesDarrell Lamb remembers toiling away in the heyday of the mid-90s stock market. He was always searching for new investors, and on the lookout for hot investments. One day some of his advisers told him about an opportunity - a chance to invest in the Express Oil Change franchise. He had reason to trust the advisers since they were his uncle, who was president of the company, and his dad, an Alabama optometrist who was always interested in investing in growing ventures. Capital AccessDustin Winkle was a victim of the dot-com crash a few years back. While pondering his next career move, he visited with family members who operated some dry cleaning stores. He liked what he heard and purchased his first Martinizing Dry Cleaners stores six hours away in Yakima, Wash. It was a long commute from his home in Boise, Idaho, but he loved the business. Three years later his family was ready to sell its dry cleaning stores and Winkle was more than happy to buy some units closer to home. Today he operates 10 Martinizing Dry Cleaning stores (and one non-Martinizing unit) in the Boise area. Multi-Tasking: What It Takes To Be A Successful Multi-Unit FranchiseeTwenty years ago, franchising meant buying the rights to and opening a single unit or business. But a changing trend has taken hold during the last two decades. Today, it's not uncommon for a single franchise operator to have 5, 6, or even dozens of units. FRANdata research notes the number of multi-unit operators now tops 34,000, and those operators control more than 155,000 franchised units in the U.S. It's a growth strategy that has proven effective but it should be approached with caution. Multi-unit operators are generally wired differently then their single-unit counterparts. Successful multi-unit operators are typically experienced, skilled, professional business executives who have chosen franchising as their business model. They possess the skills, training, capital, infrastructure, and vision to operate numerous units and have the ability to continue adding units to their portfolio--without stressing their organization or their stomach. Episode 006: The Benefits of a Franchise ModelFranchising provides benefits for both seller and buyer. For franchisors, the primary benefit is the ability to use other people's money to expand the brand more rapidly than they could either on their own or through investors or lenders. The initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties they collect allow franchisors to build their brand without sacrificing control to outsiders or the pressure of repaying lenders. Measure for Measure: Unit Economics Plays a Leading Role on Today's Economic StageThe most fundamental business strategy calls for black numbers on the bottom line. In simplest terms, it's proof the business is generating more cash than it is spending. All too often, though, entrepreneurs get involved in businesses without employing a proper system to help them keep a watchful eye on what they're earning and what they're spending. Managing day-to-day operations can be so time-consuming that it leaves little room for financial analysis. Or perhaps key individuals lack a basic understanding of how to read and interpret financial statements. Combine these factors with the down economy, and you'll likely wind up with a troubled business. Service Based Franchising: Where the Action IsLast week we ended our discussion of service concepts with the point that many of these businesses are based on customers making the choice to trade money (surplus) for time (deficit). The example we used was maid services, where time-starved customers spend money to buy time they can spend with their family and friends. Other examples of businesses built on services that customers could perform themselves but choose to pay someone else for include lawn and landscaping services, residential painting, oil change, and installation of home entertainment systems. Seven Steps to Fiscal Fitness: A "Fiscal Physical" Will Help Your Business Survive, Grow, and ProsperIn the few minutes it takes you to read this article, 40 businesses across the nation will fail--and that statistic was [i]before[/i] the economic downturn of the last 24 months. Tragic? Yes. Remarkable? Not at all. The road to business success is littered with the skeletons of companies whose owners--mostly brilliant and skilled individuals--failed to "take care of business" in the financial management of their enterprise.
|
